I still get a thrill when I arrive at Grand Central Terminal. The physical, cathedral like grandeur of the space, plus the hustle and bustle of commuters, always combines to send an adrenaline rush up my spine.
I get myself mentally prepared too: "OK - stay alert; be prepared; up the pace". I find it energizing.
Most tourists, who come to marvel at the architecture, focus on the beauty of the central plaza and the center clock, or perhaps the stunning gold constellations painted on the sky blue ceiling. Most commuters are too busy rushing to the platforms to make their trains back to the suburbs to stop and take note. It's a shame both groups often miss some of the hidden gems within the building, hidden in plain sight.
"The Campbell Apartment", cocktail bar and lounge, located on the upper level and "The Grand Central Oyster Bar and Restaurant" which is situated on the lower level, are two of these such gems.
"The Campbell Apartment" harks back to the era of prohibition speakeasies. Look for a small sign on the lower level in the terminal next to a bank of elevators that will take you there, or an unprepossessing entrance at 15 Vanderbilt Ave which leads up to it, via a flight of carpeted stairs.
It is totally worth the effort to seek it out. Like the "Tardis" from the Dr. Who television series, the small entrance belies a magical space inside. It is gorgeous.
Though its name suggests otherwise, it was in fact never an apartment, but was rented as an office by 1920's business tycoon John W Campbell from Vanderbilt, who built Grand Central. After the space had been abandoned for many years and fallen into disrepair, it was re-imagined and reopened in 1999 as a swanky cocktail lounge.
Its original architecture, ceiling, moldings and faux fireplace were all completely restored and a bar was installed along one side of the room under the magnificent leaded window.
It's the perfect location to meet friends, as I did there the other month, as long as they can find it! And once comfortably nestled on one of the red velvet couches, order their infamous "Prohibition Punch" and kick back a little. Relax.
It is totally worth the effort to seek it out. Like the "Tardis" from the Dr. Who television series, the small entrance belies a magical space inside. It is gorgeous.
Though its name suggests otherwise, it was in fact never an apartment, but was rented as an office by 1920's business tycoon John W Campbell from Vanderbilt, who built Grand Central. After the space had been abandoned for many years and fallen into disrepair, it was re-imagined and reopened in 1999 as a swanky cocktail lounge.
Its original architecture, ceiling, moldings and faux fireplace were all completely restored and a bar was installed along one side of the room under the magnificent leaded window.
It's the perfect location to meet friends, as I did there the other month, as long as they can find it! And once comfortably nestled on one of the red velvet couches, order their infamous "Prohibition Punch" and kick back a little. Relax.
"The Grand Central Oyster Bar and Restaurant" can be found on the lower level.
The once grand space had similarly fallen into disrepair and the marble pillars and high vaulted ceiling had inexplicably been covered with wallpaper, until it was renovated and reopened under new ownership in 1974.
The original restaurant, opened in 1913 - "The Oyster bar" - had been named for its oyster stew. The new management updated the restaurant name and completely recreated the menu with emphasis on seafood. Since then it has won many awards both for its culinary expertise as well as its wines. It's a stunning space and I particularly enjoy tasting their selection of oysters on the half shell (they offer a selection of 25 to 30 different varieties) or sipping one of their potent Bloody Mary's.
Check out the "whispering gallery" phenomenon while you're down there too - the effect created by the arches. Who knows what other little secrets within the walls of the Grand Central Terminal will come to light...
